Epithelial downgrowth following cataract extraction.

This case of epithelial downgrowth following cataract extraction shows the typical sequence of a noneventful cataract extraction with satisfactory recovery but after a time, the appearance of conjunctival injection, iritis and attacks of elevated ocular pressure. A minimal membrane on the posterior surface of the cornea could be seen but the diagnosis rested on the sequence of events and was confirmed by the pathologic investigation. The apithelial cells grow freely on the iris, but extend onto the cornea and posteriorly apparently without hindrance. The epithelial cells form a basement membrane next to the iris, much as they do on the surface of the cornea next to Bowman's membrane. The source of the cells in this case was not identified; they presumably came from conjunctiva although no track through the sclera was found and the cells themselves did not show goblet cells.